Review: Edox Sky Diver 70s

A diver watch is always somehow an essential part of any collection. Whether you are an actual offshore diver or an accountant, you need one.

Logically, for me at least, a diver with its water resistance, tough build and stress relieving bezel action can take anything life throws at it.

So I have been looking for a diver with some heritage for not much money and I stumbled into this brilliant video by Brave Beaters - https://youtu.be/ciVvTiD2G4w

The video speaks about how Edox found the design of the watch in their archive and it was revealed by one of their retired watchmaker that the design is from a top secret project commissioned by a wealthy Swiss Colonel for his mountain paratroopers. A quick search does reveal 70s version of the watch circulating around. Facts or fiction? It’s totally up to you. Just remember we once believe the explorer was used to the summit of Everest. :P

Specs:

Case Size: 42mm

Dial: Matte Black

Movement Type: Edox 80 based on SW200

Between lugs: 20mm

Height: 11.5mm

Lug to lug: 49mm

Strap: Stainless Steel

Water Resistance: 30ATM

Encounter:

- The watch is generally well build and feels solid on wrist.

- Case is well finished with mix brush and polish surfaces. It’s slightly curved and at 49mm, I feel it wears well on a 6.5inch wrist.

- The bezel is ceramic but somehow looks like aluminium. Not only that, it’s thinner and gives more real estate to the dial. This adds the overall vintage outlook which I like. Bezel turning is ok. Better than seiko SKX or orient but then again, I expect it to.

- The dial is big with a tat more negative space. I initially found this weird but as the days passed I appreciate the legibility.

- The backcase is a work of art. I love the laser engravings and details. Very well made.

Grip:

- The lume is mediocre. Like really mediocre.

- The bracelet… oh the bracelet. I want to love it cause it’s comfortable and drops down beautifully but it’s one of those bracelets that gets to you. Like you have to struggle to slot your wrist in and after you do, the single deployment clasp tries to catch to your skin as you press it down to secure it. After going thru those 2 obstacles, the watch head pulls away from you… and yes. The polish centre links looks great but it’s odd to be on a tool/dive watch. I do rotate it on a Barton’s silicon strap.

Overall, I would recommend this watch. Great “history” & specs for not much money.